David Gray confused by stardom

The 'Babylon' singer struggled to cope with the interest in his life status when his album 'White Ladder' unexpectedly catapulted him to fame in 2000.

He said: "When 'White Ladder' topped the charts, I found the 'wonderful worldof celebrity' confusing. I didn't know how to deal with it, so I went into a state of denial. But that doesn't work in the long term."

Gray, whose new album 'Draw The Line' will be released next month, has finally adjusted to his success but claims his life is now "easier" because people are bored of him.

He explained: "I find it easier now. That could be because nobody is interested any more, but I'd like to think it is because I am in control of my own destiny. I am not shy anymore."

Annie Lennox appears on Gray's new album and he has revealed the collaboration with the 'Sweet Dreams' singer was a dream come true for him.

The 41-year-old musician added: "I wanted to make some big changes. Working with Annie was part of that process. We did everything live, and it added some real magic. The great thing about Annie is her lack of ego. She didn't just turn up and sing. She lifted the whole album."